Remembering Our Cancer Journey

Disclaimer – Some of these memories are: “stress vague”

My doctor recommended a mammogram, then an ultra-sound and some other tests and finally a new doctor assembled her team to image both breasts. The first had no reactions from the group, so one down, one to go. Judging by the eyes of the team members and the looks between them, there was definitely something wrong with the second. A nurse came back as I was dressing and said the doctor wanted to speak with me, but I already knew and was crying before we spoke. Fast forward. Biopsy of one breast and lumpectomy of the other, chemotherapy and then radiation.

Within this time frame, my husband was also diagnosed with prostate cancer and we ended up having radiation at different times on the same days, like ships passing in the night, as the saying goes.

We didn’t talk too much about it, but held hands a lot, stayed busy and kept moving forward. We praised the gentle and competent oncology department and commended the expertise of the radiology nurses and maintained a positive attitude together, as a team.

Trepidation creeps in at unpredictable times like a shadow sliding under a door; if “it” returns, how will we handle it? But rather than perseverating on it and giving power to the ghosts of cancer past, and the “Why me’s?” We embrace the future, positive horizons, being kind and living a productive life helping our community when and where we can.

Paul serves on the Isles of Capri Board and has been a dedicated volunteer at Rookery Bay for years. Jory serves on the Marco Island Historical Society Board and the Collier County School Board.